Sleep. Parents crave it and kids haven’t quite yet figured out what a blessing it is. Fortunately, hundreds of products are designed each year to help parents and their children navigate the often troubled waters of bedtime.
But which products actually work? To find out, we consulted parenting websites, popular blogs, and the Amazon bestseller list to figure out which of the many existing products are the 19 best products for ensuring kids get a good night’s sleep.
Riseandshine.childrensnational.org suggests that being afraid of the dark is one of the most common issues when bedtime rolls around. Although their fears are very real to them, perhaps the following products will aid in your desire to put your child at ease. Check them out!
Best Products To Help Kids Get a Good Night’s Sleep
1. Baby Shusher: The Soothing Sleep Miracle for Babies
by Baby Shusher
Ages newborn and up
The Baby Shusher ranks as one of the bestselling “sleep soothing” products on Amazon, and for good reason! This easy-to-use device is inspired by the revolutionary sleep book, The Happiest Baby on the Block.
It works on a 15 or 30-minute timer, and produces a calming shushing sound as soon as the baby begins crying. To add to the convenience, the Baby Shusher is easy to keep clean and small enough to bring with you anywhere easily.
This might help too: Best White Noise Machines for Kids
2. Baby Sleepsuit
by BBTKCARE
Ages 3-6 months
As babies begin the transition from swaddling, parents might find that the Baby Sleepsuit is helpful in bridging the need to feel secure with the newfound use of reflexes. The Sleepsuit is specially designed for the baby to remain cozy and secure, but with the freedom to move reflexively without startling awake.
Its high-quality cotton keeps the baby from becoming overly warm or too cold, which means you can get rid of those hazardous crib blankets. By allowing the baby to remain comfortable throughout the night, the Sleepsuit helps to develop positive sleeping habits and patterns.
3. Badger Sleep Balm
by Badger Balm
All ages
This natural sleep balm is a blend of essential oils meant to calm and sooth your baby or child (or maybe even you!) into a comfortable sleep.
Certified organic by the USDA, Badger Sleep Balm is totally natural and contains rosemary, bergamot, balsam fir, and lavender. It doesn’t contain any fragrances, dyes, GMOs, synthetics, or artificial ingredients. To use, simply rub it on the child’s lips, chest, or temples — inhaling the balm’s scent should bring about a quiet relaxation in no time.
4. Soothing Sounds Ella The Unicorn
by Cloud b
Ages newborn and up
Ella the Unicorn has been a longtime favorite product for helping kids achieve a good night’s sleep. The toy is soft enough for toddlers and children to snuggle with, while younger babies will benefit from the sheep’s heartbeat sound or built-in lullabies — simply strap it onto the crib with the attached velcro for a younger child’s safety. Parents may also be happy to know that the sheep’s music box has two timer settings available, the longest of which runs 45 minutes.
5. Gro-Anywhere Blackout Blinds
by The Gro Company
All ages
Because we tend to sleep better in total darkness, the easyNight Blackout Blinds are a great product for ensuring kids achieve a better night’s sleep. Not only are the blinds made of quality black-out material, they’re also easy to put up and adjust thanks to velcro fastening and suction cups.
The light-weight travel bag means the easyNight Blackout Blinds can accompany you anywhere, whether halfway around the world or to Grandma’s house. They can even be used at home when the long summer days mean bedtime comes before sunset.
6. Huggaroo Weighted Blanket
by Huggaroo
Children weighing 40-80 pounds
Children often wake up due to excessive tossing and turning. The Huggaroo Weighted Blanket stifles reflexive movements, and helps children to stay relaxed enough to sleep longer. This natural sleep aid works like a gentle hug, and lowers a child’s anxiety to the point that the brain is triggered to release the necessary neurotransmitters for relaxation and improved mood.
For this reason, the Huggaroo is often a favorite sleep aid of children with ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and autism. The blanket comes in two easy-to-put-together pieces — a weighted interior and a cozy exterior — both of which are machine washable.
Additional Resource: Best Weighted Blankets for Kids
7. Indigo Dreams: Relaxation and Stress Management Bedtime Stories for Children: Improve Sleep, Manage Stress and Anxiety
by Lori Lite
Ages 8 and under
There are a number of CDs in this series, but when it comes to sleep, this is the one most recommended by parents. Totaling one hour in running time, the CD consists of five children’s bedtime stories.
Each story is told in a relaxing manner, with a volume that progressively decreases over time. The stories are most appropriate for younger children, and the CD can be helpful before bed time, nap time, or even just relaxing on a quiet afternoon.
8. Little Aurelia Sleep Time Top to Toe Cream
by Aurelia Skincare
All Ages
Little Aurelia’s Sleep Time Top to Toe Cream was recently named the winner of Best New Baby Product at the U.K.’s Mama & Baby Awards. This luxurious BioOrganic cream consists of rich shea butter, starflower and rosehip oils, meadowsweet, and calendula, and is ideal for sensitive or dry skin types. Additional ingredients of lavender and chamomile bring comfort and relaxation, so that a child can fall asleep quickly and comfortably.
In addition to the Top to Toe Cream, Little Aurelia also makes an award-winning Sleep Time Pillow Mist, Sleep Time Bath & Massage Oil, and Sleep Time Top to Toe Wash.
9. Lulla Doll Sleep Companion
by Roro Lulla Doll
Preemie to 3
Lovingly designed by two Icelandic grandmothers, the Lulla Doll Sleep Companion is designed for babies and toddlers. The doll mimics real-life breathing and heartbeats to encourage relaxation and closeness, and studies have shown that babies sleeping next to a Lulla Doll sleep better and longer.
As baby falls asleep, parents need only push Lulla’s heart to start eight hours of gentle breathing. Lulla’s soft natural cotton exterior is even designed to pick up the scent of a parent. The doll has proven especially beneficial for preemies.
10. LAFEINA Baby Nursery Light Handheld Sleep Lamp
by Lambow
Ages newborn to 12
Sleep experts and pediatricians agree that children sleep best when their environment is completely dark — not such an easy feat for a child who fears darkness. This handheld sleep soother is the perfect alternative to the traditional night light. Perfectly sized for young children to hold comfortably, the Night Light Handheld Sleep Lamp provides children with a warm orange glow that is easy on a child’s eyes.
Set the lamp to a timer, and it will progressively darken over the course of 30 minutes. The light is durably built and made with toy-grade plastic so it is not easily broken. Alternatively, the light can be used by parents to check on babies or children throughout the night without having to turn on many bright lights.
11. OK to Wake! Owl with Night-Light and Music
by PlayMonster
Ages 3+
The OK to Wake! Owl, an Amazon bestseller, is perfect for the toddler who has a tendency of waking up before the rest of the family. The eight-inch owl — perfectly sized for little hands — is comfortable enough to cuddle with throughout the night, and even becomes a temporary nightlight with a simple squeeze. But the owl’s real value comes in the form of a timer.
When the child wakes up, the owl’s eyes glow either green, signaling that it’s okay to rise, or orange. Should the eyes glow orange, the owl even goes a step further by playing one of six soothing lullabies to send the child back off to sleep.
12. Baby Einstein SEa Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy and Sound Machine
by baby einstein
Ages Newborn Plus
Baby Einstein is a leader in quality products for babies, as you already know. This cute Sea Dreams Soother Musical Crib Toy and Sound Machine can attach to the bed or can set bedside on a nightstand. It comes with a remote control… so, if you are twelve feet or less away from the baby’s crib you can turn it off whenever you like.
It measures 10 x 4.5 x 14 inches and requires 4 “C” batteries to operate. The soothing ocean sounds and light effects keep baby calm and relaxed as the drift-off dimmer helps them peacefully fall asleep. And, it’s easy to clean!
13. Playskool Glo Worm SmartSense Cry Sensor
Ages Baby to Toddler
Welcome to the newest generation of a classic… the Playskool Glo Worm with Smartsense Cry Sensor technology. This unique interactive sleep training toy includes an adorable plush toy whose sweet face illuminates to soothe your baby.
The Smart Sense cry sensor recognizes the pitch of a baby’s cry and automatically activates the sound and glowing light. Also, if you prefer, you can record your own voice to help calm them back to sleep.
14. Sleepytime Extra Tea
by Celestial Seasonings
Ages 3 and up
Children old enough to enjoy a tasty cup of tea will love the Sleeptime Extra Tea, even if they don’t realize that its purpose is to relax them into a good night’s sleep. The tea, which comes in a box with an adorable snoozing bear, is naturally caffeine and gluten free, and contains no artificial flavors. What it does include is the natural potent herb valerian, which promotes relaxation and comfort.
15. Sunrise Wake Up Light Digital Alarm Clock
by homelabs
All Ages
Studies have shown that people who wake up minutes before their alarm clock do so out of stress. Children can avoid the abrupt wake up that comes with a traditional alarm clock by waking up with a Sunrise Wake Up Light Digital Alarm Clock.
This Amazon bestseller emulates a natural sunrise by becoming progressively brighter as the time nears the intended wake up time. This way, children’s bodies wake up naturally. If the light isn’t enough, simply add one of the five natural sounds (birds, a forest scene, waves, traffic) or FM radio. The clock can also be used in the evening, during which time it gradually darkens like a sunset.
16. Cloud LED Night Light for Kids
by s nmt
All ages
Help kids get to sleep naturally with the soft glow of this cute Cloud Night Light. This cute little fellow changes into nine colors too with the included remote, making it a perfect nightlight for a baby’s or toddler’s room. It’s made of a soft material that makes it perfect for putting right in the bed with your little one or it can sit easily on a bedside table.
Forget about an electrical cord because this cute cloud is rechargeable with a micro USB cord so therefore, if they need to get up to go to the bathroom, they can just take it with them for safety. It also has a sleep timer and brightness options.
17. Twilight Turtle
by Cloud b
Ages 2 and up
This plush turtle is both comforting and awe-inspiring. Twilight turtle projects a starry night sky onto walls and ceilings in soothing colors ranging from blue, to green, to amber. Unlike similar toys, these projections include actual constellations, including the Big Dipper. The turtle, which can also be purchased as a ladybug, is battery operated and automatically turns off after 45 minutes.
18. The Zipadee-Zip
by Sleeping Baby
Ages 6 months to 1 year
The Zipadee-Zip is the revolutionary new sleeping product that was featured on the television show Shark Tank. This cozy sleepsuit is the perfect solution to swaddle transitioning and acts as a wearable blanket that keeps the baby comfortable while also ensuring she is able to move around at night without waking herself up. The Zipadee-Zip is approved by sleep experts, pediatricians, and hundreds of parents.
conclusion
Yes, bedtime can be a challenge… at any stage. Babies can be awakened abruptly and cry till they wear out. Toddlers don’t even like to stay in their bed to begin with. And, even young children or teens have fears that can keep them awake. Hopefully, one or several of the above products will help your child (and you) get a good night’s sleep. Give them a try!
In addition, sleeping on a high-quality mattress can make all the difference, especially if it sleeps cool. Check out these bonus products: Choose one of our top picks for kids mattresses and kids pillow.
